Kick-start your day

The best-used appliances in the kitchen are likely to be those whose location has been carefully considered in the overall design.

An example of this is the microwave, which in its early days often dominated the benchtop. Now, it's usually integrated seamlessly into the design.

Kitchen designer Shane George sees the coffee machine in much the same way today.

"An increasing number of my clients want a good coffee machine in their kitchen, and the most successful outcome is when it is incorporated into the design. Obviously a coffee machine can be added later, but there are good reasons to think about it at the planning stages," he says.

The placement of the machine in the kitchen is a key consideration. It needs to be located so it doesn't encroach on the main preparation zones.

George says the least desirable place to have the machine is between the sink and hob the busiest area in most kitchens. Sufficient space should be provided for the machine, plus a separate grinder if required. The area needs to be easy to wipe clean, so a splashback may be an advantage.

If having a cup of coffee is a social event, George suggests placing the machine close to living areas where the coffee maker can be at work and still be part of the conversation.

Having a sink nearby is convenient for cleaning the machine, washing the various parts, emptying grinds, and for cleaning up afterwards. Being close to the refrigerator or having a small bar fridge near the machine is also helpful, and storage for coffee cups and other paraphernalia is worthwhile.

Another decision is whether to have a freestanding or built-in model. A freestanding machine is more visible, while a built-in coffee maker gives the kitchen a more integrated, clean-lined look. If your coffee machine is to be plumbed in, this is best considered early in the planning stages. Plumbed machines often take up less space, but generally can't be taken with you if you move house.

Story by: Trendsideas